It was a performance, topped by two goals from Thierry Henry and one from Freddie Ljungberg, that prompted Curbishley to state he believes the title will be returning to Highbury for the first time in four years.

And Davis, a member of the Arsenal squad that won the league in 1989 and 1991, agreed.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘‘Charlton have had great year in games against London teams and have done well against us in particular. The game yesterday would have been one everyone was worried about. The game against Tottenham next weekend is a tough game too.

‘‘It’s a great position to be in now. I wouldn’t put it past the boys to play fantastic football now and it’s in our hands.

‘‘We have lots of players who have been in this position before Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Lee Dixon, and I’m sure they will relish the position now at the top of the league.

‘‘They have been fabulous. Some of the football has been the best I’ve seen from an Arsenal team. It has been attacking, exciting football, scoring plenty of goals.’’

The knee injury Ashley Cole picked up in a challenge with Graham Stuart is the only cause for concern as Arsenal head into the north London derby and their tilt on the title.

Cole’s fitness is also a concern for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, but Davis believes the injury is not as bad as his previous ligament problem and he should be fit for this summer’s tournament in Japan and Korea.

The England left-back had only just returned from two month injury lay off, but David said: ‘‘I think it’s not too bad.

‘‘He will miss one or two games for us but the England situation should be okay. I think he will be out for a few games.’’